The Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia (Ombudsman) was informed about the issue of endangering the existence of care and work centres (VDC), which were informed through the financial baselines for 2024 about a reduction in budget financing of more than 80 per cent. The Ombudsman is outraged about the decision of the government or the Ministry of Solidarity-Based Future, since in doing so they are shaking the sole foundations of the social state. Moreover, this is a direct violation of the Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the legal framework of the Republic of Slovenia, the mission of which is implemented by VDCs. “Simultaneously, this intent can be perceived as an expression of complete disrespect for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups,” emphasises Ombudsman Svetina.

In the Ombudsman’s opinion, a significant cut in the budget financing of material and services for the smooth execution of regular legally defined activities, presents a violation of the constitutional rights from Article 52 of the Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia. By using this measure the state would deprive the most vulnerable of services of guidance, care, and sheltered employment, which is the first and fundamental service of VDCs. It is a non-compliance with Article 17 of the Social Assistance Act presenting an organised form of protection which fulfils the constitutionally and legally determined fundamental human rights of adult persons with disabilities to a service which, in accordance with their abilities, gives them the possibility of active participation in social life and the work environment and of performing useful work appropriate for their capabilities.

The Ombudsman believes that, with such moves or decisions, Slovenia, which has until recently been recognised as one of the more advanced countries in providing services of the social state, is unfortunately drastically stepping in a direction that brings about a significantly wider set of consequences than might currently appear. “Long-term care without any vision which does not allow for even the urgently needed various forms of assistance for the most vulnerable groups, with a simultaneous tendency for a drastic decrease in the scope of personal assistance gives a clear signal that we have got lost somewhere along the way. The Act Regulating the Integrated Early Treatment of Preschool Children with Special Needs has got stuck. The novelties brought about by the Long-Term Care Act do not have the basic (financial) predispositions for them to begin being efficiently implemented. The Personal Assistance Act, which is currently being considered, too, unfortunately builds on a system of mistrust and forgets that its purpose is the realisation of commitments given for the full and effective integration of persons with disabilities into society,” adds Peter Svetina. With grave concern he also warns about the overcrowdedness of primary schools with an adapted programme, waiting periods for admission to VDCs, and the lack of appropriate facilities as well as the alarming and uncontrollable shortfall in the number of suitable expert, social, and healthcare workers, which in his belief points to the risk of system breakdown. “The breakdown of the system giving security to all inhabitants of Slovenia, not only those who need help and treatment the most right now,” stresses the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman believes that this must not be the direction in which we want to develop as a society, neither from the human nor the economic or sustainable aspects. “It is not a direction that indicates that the dignity of every person will be respected, which is essential in a constitutionally protected social state,” adds the Human Rights Ombudsman Peter Svetina.